So Eric Clapton has been talking about retirement for a year now and these two nights celebrating his 70th birthday sure has the feel of a sirens call. Clapton is one of the blues greats and when I saw him maybe two years ago, he hadn’t lost anything. Indeed, he was better than the well dressed popstar of the 1990s. The only thing stopping me buying one of these shows, Friday and Saturday at MSG, is I am worried the Rangers, who just made it to the second round, are gonna force Eric to move the dates. So I am waiting. If they don’t, I’m there.
Monday – The Weeklings – The Bitter End – With the best power pop album of the year under their belt, the Weeklings have been gigging around town and should be well worth catching at this legendary venue.
Monday – The Wombats – Webster Hall – Sure, I’m not crazy about the new album either, but they set their own standards and they are ridiculously high. As UK rock goes, at least they have a sense of humor.
Tuesday – Alunageorge – Rough Trade – A new album is certainly due, isn’t it? I’ve always liked this electronic duo.
Tuesday – ILoveMakonnen – Bowery Ballroom – The Drake find and a next big thing in the world of hip hop with at least one classic, “Tuesday” under his belt.
Wednesday – James Bay – Irving Plaza – UK folkie breaking big, in a small club.
Thursday – Lord Huron – Terminal 5 – This is why T5 sucks, Strange Trails is a great album and I’d love to see em live. Just not here.
Friday – Martin Sexton – Gramercy Theatre – With two excellent releases already out this year alone, a mix tape and album, a man way too easy to underestimate is playing the intimate excellent Gramercy.
Friday – Sheila E – BB Kings – Prince’s drummer and she may only have two songs but they are both awesome.
Friday – Sufjan Stevens – King’s Theatre – Not just one of the best albums of the year, also one of the best live shows.
Saturday – Spandau Ballet – Beacon Theatre – New Romantics poster boys are back.
